| PBI GOLD® |
|
| Description |
Inherently flame resistant |
| Fiber Content |
Blend of 40% PBI (polybenzimidizole) and 60% Kevlar |
| Fiber Source |
Celanese Advanced Materials, Inc. Charlotte, NC for PBI fiber.
DuPont Company, Wilmington, DE |
| Fabric Sources |
Tencate, Inc., Union City, GA (trademarked "KOMBAT")
PGI DIFCO, Montreal, Canada |
| Primary Trademark |
"PBI" is a registered trademark of CNA Holdings,
Inc.
"KEVLAR" is a registered trademark of DuPont. |
| Primary Applications |
Flash fire
Electric arc
|
| Not for Use |
Molten aluminum and zinc |
| Compliance/Certification* |
OSHA 1910.269 Electric Utility Safety Standard
ASTM F1506 Standard for FR Clothing for Electrical Workers
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
NFPA 2112 Standard for FR Garments for Protection Against Flash Fire
California GISO, Title 8, Section 3406(c)(1)
CGSB 155.20 Standard for Workwear for Protection Against Flash Fire |
| Typical Fabric Weights |
Shirts - 4.5 oz/yd2
Pants - 6 oz/yd2
Coveralls - 4.5 oz/yd2 |
| Typical Colors |
Natural (brownish-yellow) |
| Estimated Wear Life |
Approximately 2 to 4 years |
| Initial Cost |
Very high (approximately 2 times Nomex®IIIA) |
| Life Cost |
High (up front costs partially offset by long wear
life) |
| Appearance |
Garments have good drape
Any exposure to UV light causes uneven fabric darkening
(which reaches a maximum and stops). |
| Comfort |
Fabrics are absorbent, light weight and comfortable.
Good user acceptance. |
| Overall Strengths |
PBI fabrics offer the best thermal protection on the
market today. Suitable for use in high hazard areas
with higher likelihood of thermal exposure. Very good
comfort. |
| Overall Weaknesses |
Very high purchase price and no color
selection. |
